Originally posted 2018-04-17 13:30:01.

By: EDC Staff  

Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian King and His Sujud

Mohamed Salah, famously known as “The Egyptian King” among Liverpool fans, has become not only one of the Premier League’s top performers but also one of the most recognizable Muslim athletes in the world. His success on and off the pitch has drawn admiration from fans globally and made a powerful impact far beyond football.

In 2017, Salah was named BBC’s African Footballer of the Year, and since then, he has consistently remained among the world’s most talked-about players. His brilliance, humility, and dedication have inspired millions—Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

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A Chant that Turned Heads

Salah’s popularity even inspired Liverpool fans to create chants celebrating his talent and character. One such chant goes:

“Mo Sa-la-la-la-lah, Mo Sa-la-la-la-lah, if he’s good enough for you, he’s good enough for me, if he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too.”

Though sung playfully, the chant is a testament to Salah’s influence in reshaping perceptions of Muslims and Islam in Western societies. A report by Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare) found that Salah’s presence has significantly reduced hate and race crimes among English football fans—a remarkable and rare achievement in the world of professional sports.

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Sujud on the Pitch: More Than Celebration

What captures attention even more than Salah’s goals is what he does after scoring—he prostrates (performs sujud). This humble act is an Islamic gesture of gratitude to Allah, putting God at the center of his joy and success.

This sujud is not just a personal expression of faith; it’s also a public and visible symbol of Islamic spirituality, performed with sincerity and reverence. For many viewers unfamiliar with Islam, Salah’s sujud has sparked curiosity: “What is he doing?” and “What makes him do that?”

The answer, Salah makes clear, is God.

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What Is Sujud in Islam?

Sujud (prostration) in Islam is a gesture of thankfulness and humility before Allah. It can be done:

• Inside prayer, as part of the five daily obligatory prayers, where a Muslim prostrates twice in each rak`ah (unit)—amounting to 34 sujuds daily.

• Outside of prayer, as a sujood of gratitude when receiving good news or a blessing.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to perform this gesture. Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

“Whenever anything came to the Prophet that brought him joy, he would prostrate in gratitude to Allah.”
(Authenticated by Al-Albani)

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Why Is Sujud So Important?

Sujud is a symbol of utter humility before the Creator of the heavens and the earth. It signifies total submission, reverence, and dependence on God. In Islamic theology, while sujud is physically the lowest posture, it is spiritually the highest position a believer can attain.

During sujud, Muslims glorify their Lord by saying:

“Subhana Rabbiya al-A‘la”
(Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)

This is a moment when the believer is closest to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is in prostration. So make plenty of supplication in it.”
(Muslim)

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The Excellence of Sujud in the Qur’an and Sunnah

Allah commands and praises sujud in many parts of the Qur’an:

“So exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord and be of those who prostrate [to Him].”
(Al-Hijr 15:98)

“Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth—the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures, and many of the people?”
(Al-Hajj 22:18)

“No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allah].”
(Al-`Alaq 96:19)

And from the Sunnah:

“Make frequent prostrations, for every time you prostrate before Allah, He will raise you one degree and remove one of your sins.”
(Muslim, narrated by Thawban)

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A Modern Role Model with a Timeless Message

Mohamed Salah is more than a football star—he is a living example of faith in action, showing how a Muslim can thrive with integrity and devotion in the global spotlight. His sujud has become a symbol of gratitude, submission, and inspiration. In a world where athletes are often idolized, Salah’s gesture turns attention away from himself and toward his Creator.